Interview Process & Experiences - 2006

I am going to explain in brief the process involved in shortlisting for the interviews and conducting the interviews.

After applying for PGPM at ISB, the Admission Committee will go through the applications and the Adcom shortlists some of the applicants based on the criteria discussed in the previous post. The shortlisted candidates are interviewed at various locations in India like Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Banglore and Hyderabad. The international applicants can opt for telephonic interview or at ISB's campus at Hyderabad.

I have compiled the interview experiences of various applicants collected from online resources and reproducing the same, without their names, as under.

Delhi – 19-11-2006

Interview questions were:

1) Tell us about your company and your role there.
2) What processes and initiatives have you taken at your company, give examples. (Mentioned in my answer to 1st question)
3) Your take on team work? How do you make sure that team is delivering the best?
4) How do you motivate team members as a team lead?
5) Have you ever been through a conflicting situation with your team members?
6) How do you motivate people of two different shifts to come in their shifts?
7) Do you think only professional distance should be there between team members and you or a personal rapport is also required?
8) Two weaknesses your team members will tell you?
9) What have you researched about academic rigours of ISB MAB and otherwise?
10) Any questions for us?

Delhi – 19-11-2006

His Profile :
GMAT - 720 / AWA 5.5
Work Ex - 3 Years 9 months
Domain - 3 years ---> Oil and Gas Project Execution
9 months - ERP consultancy in Oil and Gas
Extra Currics - Great
Acads - Xth - 89% , XIIth - 85.4 % and Engg - 79%

His questions

- My topic for the essay " INSPIRING MOMENTS"
- Why did you change jobs just recently ?
- So if you get through ISB u will be with the new company for a few months...thats no value addition ??
- What change in responsibilties do you see in the two jobs ?
- Difference between Project Execution and ERP consultancy ( my 2 job domains ) ?
- What do you do at your new jobs ( its a very specialized field ...dont think they understood anything )
- You were a part of the Africa club in your school whats that ?
- What is your take on being a part of a team and leading a team ( I started talking crap on this one ...about HR policies and all ...the guy said ...pls answer about urself nly...SCREWED )
- U can sing in 6 languages ...what all ?
- Why dont u take singing as a career ?
- Two things that u are really proud about apart from your career...!!??
- Any questions for us ...asked them 4 rock solid questions..they were defensive...i asked them that their GLAM club organizes forums but why is the entry fee so high ??...

Delhi – 19-11-2006

Then started the grilling....What abt ur job...ur job responsibilities...i was blah blah blah..next bomb...what do u think abt the development that is going on in and around Chandigarh...huh...will the Technology park work??..went on blah blah... then i was asked abt my biking trips...why didnt u join Roadie!! then came...what do u think how will apple ipod tackle the threat from Microsofts Zune!!!...went on blah blah... there was nuthing like why MBA...why ISB...another question...i have been working in the Product companies...so what flaw do u find in the whole product cycle...then few questions i wanted to ask...and then i thot i was done...there were more questions....and the irony of the situation was...i didnt mention anywhere that i wanted to join a consultancy....then why all such questions!!! i came out of the room at 6.05...the whole gang bang lasted for 25 mins max...

Delhi – 17-11-2006

Profile:
Score : 660
Experience: 4 years in petrochemicals

I am from engineering and designing field which is not a common sector. So the first question was about my area of work. Then they asked to share the international experience for one the projects. Since I am a mechanical engineer so the obvious question was why mechanical engineering, Most of the questions were about the job exp. The last question was why I should be considered for ISB. It was of 25 mins. No grilling. They made me very
comfortable. Overall it was more of discussion.

Delhi – 18-11-2006

Her Profile –
GMAT 770
Work Ex – 2.5 yrs as a software engineer (telecom)
Extra curricular and community services – Pretty decent.


My essay topic was "Degrees dont matter"...pretty cool!!.
They asked me about my company (Its a lesser known name- UTStarcom Inc), the work, the team structure and all, why did I join this company, what all offers did I have from the campus ( I was recruited through campus interview in UTStarcom). Then they talked about my weaknesses and strengths, why MBA, any challenging situation that I had faced in the team. Then the person with the stern face said- you are working in the RnD dept and u r planning to move to consultancy. Tell me one thing that makes u fit for consultancy. I told him that I have good analytical skills. He said – so u r from telecommunications and you have good analytical skills, tell me how many base stations are there in Delhi. This was fairly simple but I screwed this question like anything.:( Then all of a sudden the other guy asked me about my favourite play. ( I had mentioned theatre as my hobby). I was prepared for this one. Then the ladies asked me what is the latest telecommunication technology that I have worked on, what I do in my free time – I told them I learn French. Then they asked me how to say good morning, good evening and good bye in French. That was again simple. The last question was – Why did UTStarcom started a India Development Centre ( I had told them that it's a Chinese Company). Then it was my turn, I asked them a few questions. All in all, it was more like a chatting session.

Delhi – 18-11-2006

His Profile –
GMAT 720
Work Ex – 3.5 yrs in IT
Extra curricular and community services – Good

The panel was very cordial but I had already screwed up the things from start. On reaching the venue - I was given the topic "Marketing" to write 50-100 words. While writing - I got a called in for intw but asked for 5 min to complete the stuff... moved to the intw room where first question was - Y r u late? explained the entire situaiton to them...that I reached the venue on time - but the locals out there redirected me to a different place, (they were not aware about the building/office..:(..). Luckily, I found one person coming to the same place who directed me rightly..however, I was still late by 5 min. Apologized to them for the same.

Next question was related to my work and what are my responsibilities towards my team (I am working in IT arena).

Third question was more like a case study - "If in your team, you are working with a person who is in a mood to revolt and does not want to work the way team wants. He is adamant with his thoughts and does not listen to anybody. How would you handle him ?" - handled this one with an example of such case that happened with me.
Then Kunal asked me about the business plan that i had presented at one of the B-schools and how we came about to formulate the idea ? -
Answered this with pleasure and explained the entire thing to them.

The next question was regarding my post MBA plans ( I said consulting ) and why into this line ? - answered this to their satisfaction.

Then they gave me another case study regarding ISB itself.
ISB wants to project its upper stance, so as to attract more international students. How would you help about it ? - I gave them the points that they were actually performing and they were not satisfied with the answer.
So, they changed the question - "lets say we start an educational institute that is providing education with a standard that is at par with those provided by ISC, CBSE, or any regional board. But the catch is that we cannot award a certificate that will be recognizable by any higher educaiton institute. So, as a consultant, how would you help us in convincing the higher education boards to admit the students from our institute into their courses ?
I went dud on this one and didnt had a clue what can be done in such a scenario.

Well, I put forward this question to all the wanna be consultants in this group...how would you go about it ?...Please think logically and share your points..

Delhi – 17-11-2006

His Profile:
GMAT: 740
Work Exp.: 3 yrs. in family business and 4 yrs. in ONGC
Acads. Good
Extra Curriculars: Good

I had my interview with panel 3. There was one lady from adcom. and 2 guys who seemed to be alumni. one was nice and other one did lot of cross questioning and put up some of very unexpected questions. All the questions were linked to my work experience and what i wanted to do after MBA.

Mumbai – 12-11-2006

The topic for essay was 'Government of India'
Interview started 10 minutes late, was informed right in the beginning not to be nervous as their style is 'zero stress' based. Took the advice on face value and talked thru the interview as a conversation.

All the questions were geared on my carrer and profile. i have a slightly unconventional profile, coming from the world of films and a creative background.
They asked many pointed questions on what are the revenue streams, how the industry works. If I were to consult someone who wanted to make a movie what would be my advice. If I were to launcha production company what would be my primary motives, business plan and how would I go about it.
How does television work, what are the revenue models for it.Will Big boss work? They asked this very pointedly - in the long term as well as in repeated seasons etc.
Towards the end they specified that their only concern is if I will be able to cope with the academic rigour at ISB with my profile
Found this slightly insulting - does being creative automatically typecast you as someone who cant follow 'academic rigour'?
Answered that I was really not intimiadated and had already started reading up on finance n stats - the only areas I have zero experience in but that with Economics in my undergrad I dont see it as a big problem
I asked them about recieving other people in the past with similar profiles - they cited that they had. So asked them if those had any difficulty following the academics. Answer was wishy washy as "yes and no"
So i pointed them to my GMAT score and said it should answer their trepidition since i hit the books only 2 months before the test while still working 12 hour days.
So they asked if I was satisfied with my score.
Strange question - I mean if I got 800 i would be satisfied but I did mention that i found it very easy over all and not much of a stretch.

Mumbai – 12—11-2006

I had my ISB interview in Mumbai today morning.
There were 2 people in the panel.
Range of questions:
What are your strengths as a manager?
Pick up any one of your strengths mentioned in reply to the above question and give examples?
Would your sub-ordinates consider you a good manager?
How would the PGP course at ISB help you in doing your current job better?
What would you do to foster team spirit in the team you are leading?
Would you like to tell us something about you apart from what is mentioned in your resume?

Mumbai – 10-11-2006

His Profile:
Work Ex: Mech Engg. Design and Projects - Energy Sector
Acads: Good ( 85% above in 12th and 75 % in B.E)
GMAT-- 700
Extra Curriculars: OK

My 50 word essay topic was " Libraries as repositories of Knowledge"

The questions and answers:
1) first question--- U have been in one Org. for so long ( I have 12+ yrs work ex) why so long and how was ur learning exp

2) u have written equity Analysis as a career option-- How will ur exp fit into that--- what r ur career plans-- long term---short term

I said short term -- equity research wherein they analyse particular sectors-- mine being energy sector-- My exp I will leverage and look forward to getting into those companies--

For long term career goal I told i want to start on my own ---
Portfolio management services (PMS)-- Presently as far as I know PMS is available only for High Net worth Individuals-- Mine will be for anybody and everybody who is willing to Invest in equities

3) Why MBA for Portfolio Management services--- u can get done with a short term course

ISB MBA will give the initial thrust to establish urself in the marketplace-- gave them example of in India we prefer a doctor with an FRCS degree ;or if ur kid is not well we prefer aediatrician
with DCH qualification over a mere MBBS doctor and also added that iam interested in Finance as a subject and so an MBA

4) one of them wanted to know my method of investing-- since when r u investing??

Explained method with example; my method being to find stocks that outperform the market--- from the market inflection points -- to the date of ur interest---Take Bhav copies and sort in excel to find stocks that have given maximum returns; rank them ; get some 40 companies on to your radar: invest in the stories u understand / like Explained with example of APtech; I like APtech's China story--
It has doubled from June even though it is making losses;
Traditional P/E methods may not work always

5) Asked me my Org. chart and where I fit in
Then -- u left college long back-- how will u study now -- there is lot of pressure to study-- will u be able to cope up

6) How will u relate to majority of the younger guys at ISB; (Age related question)

I said that all of us have assembled at ISB for learning—initially yes -- there will be hesitancy in communication -- during this period I can always relate to the 10 % older guys who r near my age—later on as classes progress younger lot realises that they can learn somethings from me ;and i realise that I benefit from their knowledge;; so age -- No isssues

Any questions on ISB??

I asked one

Mumbai – 10-11-2006

His Profile
Age 31 yrs
Work-ex 8+ yrs
Industry Banking
Background Physics

On reaching, i was asked to write an essay in 50 words on "Degrees don't matter". I ended up with an essay close to 150 words and one of the panel members wasn't pleased with it.

Questions ranged from my work experience especially in a PSU organisation, my post ISB plans, my rural India experiences, my current assignments, my ideas of entrepreneurial ventures, my family background.

Mumbai – 10-11-2006

His Profile:

Work Ex: IT 3+ years
Acads: Good ( 85% above in 10th, 12th and B.E)
GMAT: 730 ( Q: 48 V: 42 AWA: 6.0)
Extra Curriculars: Decent. Have done a lot of things.


I had to write 50 words on LIFE. I wrote a philosophical one – 54 words. But I forgot to hand it over and did so when the next person was called in. I apologized to the panel and they said it was not a problem.
Just shows that it is just an warming-up exercise.

So, you read a lot. Basically fiction. What have you read recently?

- The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth.
What do you feel about the novel?
- Answered it well. Told them Why I didn't find it as exciting as others by the author

What work do you do in you job?
- Gave my current work-profile
- Also added a few lines about my career progression till date
What is the career path at your company like? You said you started as a
tester. So, how does it move up?
- Told them about the project-level roles – Tester –
Developer – Design. And then to either Tech Architect or Business Analyst

- Also explained the various designations (company hierarchy)

So, why can't you take on managerial roles at your company itself?
- Answered it by explaining that my technical profile can get me IT consultancy work but I am targeting strategic consultancy that requires understanding of various management functions.

But you said something about a Business Analyst. Why not take that role instead of MBA?

- Explained it by saying that BA talks to users and explains requirements to technical team. To get new business etc, you need to be BGL or BRM and that requires MBA

So, you want to do Marketing…
- Not just marketing. Strategy consulting in particular

I had written in the `dream job essay' that I have majored in Strategic Marketing while applying to McKinsey. Not sure if stressing On the "strategy" part was the right thing to do. Just hoping that it doesn't hurt my chances
You have written in your dream job essay that you have prepared a white paper on Strategic Selling. Are you actually aware of it? Why have you mentioned it for applying to McKinsey?

- Told them that the my project developed the IT solution Based on this strategic selling model

- Told them that when I am doing consulting, knowledge of such concepts and models may prove helpful. And it can also help me learn other similar concepts.

What was the motive to prepare this white paper?
- Gave some knowledge sharing funda. Told them that it was to help the project team understand the business behind the application they've developed

Did you do it alone or in a team?
- I did it alone but got it reviewed from my PL who had Learned the concept first hand when he was at client location. Also told them that this white paper is approved at Account(Relationship) level but
pending approval at organization level.

What is this Strategic Selling Concept all about?
- Explained two key concepts. And in brief told them what does this concept tries to achieve.

What are you passionate about?
- This was the only question where I slipped. I was caught off-guard. I said that I feel strongly about some of the things in our society and would like to set things in order in my home state Bihar as we biharis are often ridiculed because of the antics of our politicians.I gave them a road-map on how I would manage my career progress going forward to be able to make a difference in the area of infrastructure and education.

What is your biggest achievement till work?
- Told about the first award I received from my client. Emphasized that it is special among my other awards (I have six others) because of its scale.

Why did you get this award?
- I was doing testing at that time and there was no UAT bugs detected after my full testing cycle.

But as a tester, aren't you supposed to ensure just that.

- Yes. That is true. But UAT bugs do come as testers miss one or two conditions at times. Since I keep a clean sheet, I was nominated.

Why have you mentioned about your white paper in the essay but not in the resume?
- Said that's because white paper is yet to be approved at TCS level. Once it is, I will add it to my resume.

If your white paper gets approved at company level, will you call it as your biggest achievement till date?

- I said yes. Justified by saying that all my other awards are at project-level so an organization level achievement, considering that TCS is such a huge company, would definitely rank higher.

Do you have any questions for the panel?
- I asked them three questions.

Mumbai – 10-11-2006

Wrote a 50-word essay on 'Family' just before interview and then i was called in.
Quesns mainly centred on my work-ex so far, exact profile, achievements, some of the situations wid my clients (i was into Sales & Mrktg)!
Then abt my goals post-mba..why do i want to sell soap after selling IT solns all these yrs? (i had mentioned FMCG Brand Mgmt in essay 3)..some cross-questioning abt my stance on punishment in case-study essay! A few quesns on my fav percussionist (i play the tabla) !
Finally, i asked a couple of quesn & that was it (abt 25 mins duration)!
Overall, felt i could hv done better but still, a feel-good experience , i must say !!!

Just my 2 cents....As the chennai/kolkata/b'lore chaps hv already pointed out - prepare ur appln (esp. essays) thoroughly..be ready to back-up whatever u say and most importantly, Keep a Cool Head!!!

Pune – 10-11-2006

His Profile:

GMAT : 740
Work Ex: 4 years
Ex-Capt,IA
NDA alumnus
Acad: decent
Extra curri: V good

My 50-100 word essay was on Football

Ques:
> Your role model in the army?
>Function of your corps in the army (EME¡K)?
>How much interaction took place between you and your recommenders?
>Your essays have been well formed. Tell me honestly tell me frankly, how much time did you take to write them. Did you take anybody’s help gave it for rechecking maybe?
Ans. I told him, that I was my own critic prepared so much for grammar that I was controlling a thread on Pagalguy.com on Thread for sentence correction... formulating questions for the day and clearing doubts
[ all the pagalguy types I am rajat_nda ]

>If you get through to both IIM A/B/C and ISB which one will you choose and why?
Followed by Don’t you think ISB is expensive?
>Your role in the Operation with Bhutan in 2004?
>What do you think are the underlying reasons for Jawans killing their senior officers in Jammu?
>What if you don’t get a job of your liking in the placements at the
ISB?
>Any queries


Banglore – 03-11-2006

As soon as I reached the venue i was asked to write a 50 Word
Paragraph on LIFE. Pretty philosphical ;-) .

The actual interview lasted for around 25-30 mins. I might have messed up certain parts of it. My responses were not very structured. As Sasi mentioned it would defnitely be helpful to go through the possible questions and have structured responses prepared as you dont get much time to respond (i unfortunately did not do this). And one more thing, the interview panel would know your essays, profile, recomendation letters very thouroughly. So make sure you have a good look at them again.

So here are the questions:
1. First question was what is your fav Gelato ( this is italian for ice cream, I did my postgrad in Italy and hence they started with this).
2. Questions on my Italian experience like why Italy, why not US, work cluture etc.
3. What leadership skills have you demonstrated at work and outside.
4. I had mentioned reading as a hobby in my essays. What was the big take away from any book that you read.
5. What is biggest passion in your life.
6. What was the whackiest thing you have read.
7. Ethical dilemma you faced at work or otherwise.
8. What I like about my work and what I dont.
9. Some questions on my work with Jaanagraha a NGO I volunteer for.
10. And finally the usual "questions for the panel". And btw here I learnt that there has been a 28% increase in applicants this time for Round 1 compared to last year (R2 would bring in more). And they probably would be looking at a 1:7 ratio of intake compared to 1:4 of
last year.

There were no questions about why MBA , why ISB etc (probably the only two questions that I had prepared for and had structured responses :-(. )

Banglore – 03-11-2006

I am an MBA applicant and interviwed with an ISB panel in Bangalore today. Just wanted to share my experiences.

The questions were predominantly on my contributions/achievement at work. The panel was very cordial and the questions were pretty straightforward.

Banglore – 03-11-2006

His Profile:

GMAT: 710 (Q 51, V 34, AWA 6.0)
Acads: Decent X (90%), XII (93%), BE (83.5%, university ranker), MS (IIT-Madras, 9.5/10)
Current Industry: Aviation.
Extracurriculars: good Community activities, secretary of dept. association in college, member of hostel management committee etc.,
Professional experience: 3 years 8 months.

I never believed that an interview can be this cool. The panel was very cordial and never made me feel tensed after entering the interview room. The interview lasted for 25 minutes.

As soon as I reached the venue, I got a 50 words essay topic. I was asked to write about "Adventure". I just thought for 5 minutes and jotted four sentences (came around 55 words) in the given sheet of paper. I was called inside by Ms. Hema at 11.20 am. First 5 minutes was more of a chit-chat. She asked me where I am staying in Bangalore, How far is my place from the interview venue, my feedback about the interview venue etc., I started feeling very comfortable after discussing these questions.

Hema had a word of appreciation on my acads. Since, I am from aviation industry, She said she is happy to meet an aviation engineer after seeing only IT professionals from the morning. I thanked her for the compliment.

Now, getting to the business:

1. What is your current job profile?
2. How critical is your current job to your industry?
3. The ISB essay 4 (on a team member failing to deliver at the last moment) question was repeated and they asked me how do I justify my stance.
4. Explain an initiative that you have taken in your organisation?
5. How will you differentiate yourself from other engineers applying to ISB?
6. Why all engineers want to be managers (this question is more like why MBA, so same response will fit here)?
7. What is your dream job and Which is your dream company? (I told consulting)
8. What you want to do in consulting? How will be the career progression?
9. How you will fit in to consulting role ? Will your current experience help?
10, 11, 12. In essay 5 (additional info. essay) I have written about a personal experience and how I overcame the odds against me.
Next three questions were related to that experience.
13. What kind of games do you play?
14. Question for the panel?

Overall, I felt very confident and satisfied after the interview. I have expected all these questions and had structured my responses before the interview. Therefore, I was not waiting to recollect things/incidents, left looking for examples etc., So, preparing responses helped me a lot. I would suggest the same for all the other candidates. Do get the previous year interview questions from the groups database and structure your responses to all those questions.
Luckily, I did not get any case question.

My observations:
1. The panel is thorough with the applicant's resume, essays and profile.
2. There are totally three panels in Bangalore.
3. Many of the candidates I saw were males. There was an equal mix of suits, formal shirt+trousers and formal shirt+trousers+tie. I saw only one girl who had come with formal shirt+trousers.
4. No need to carry any documents for the interview.

Banglore – 03-11-2006

His Profile:
GMAT: 700
Exp: 2.5 yrs IT
Acads: Avg
Extracurriculars: Excellent

Mr Ajit, Mr. Sanjay and another gentleman took my interview. It was a very cool interview without any grilling at any point. They were very thorough with my applications and asked me questions on almost everything in my resume.

Some of the questions asked:

1) Why MBA now and not later
2) Long term plans
3) I had mentioned my hobby as reading, so some questions on that.
4) Why I left my previous company and what I learnt from there

Overall my interview lasted for about 40 minutes. Like most of the applicants who just finished their interview have mentioned, it was a feel-good interview.

Banglore – 04-11-2006

His Profile

1.5 yrs into consulting ,
GMAT 740 ,
Decent extra curricular and acads

Started with some weird questions

- how did you prepare for the interview
i gave the usual stuff about career etc

- so take us through the thought process for interview preperation.
i explained them in detail and had some questions on them

- tell us about some project you did in your job and learnings from it

- you wanted to do consulting , so what did you do for this through your career

- a market estimation question about a new kind of mint introduced in the market. They wanted me to estimate the sales for a year.

- finally why r u in such a hurry to do a MBA
They tried to screw me on this one

Be cool and composed, and very imp be yourself

Banglore – 04-11-2006

His Profile:

GMAT--770 (Q-51, V-42, AWA-6.0)
Acads--X - 85.2%, XII - 85.8%, B.E. (Mech) from REC, Rourkela - 87.2% (Rank: 2/318)
Work Experience--IT, 4 yrs 7 months by April 2007 (In Infosys 1.5 yrs, and then in Tavant continuing still...), 6 months of International Exp, and 4
excellence awards
Extracurricular--A lot of prizes in fine arts, 1 year in a NGO, and few others...

Well, I have to say that I am pretty satisfied with how my interview went. The interview panel had 2 members and they were very cordial in their questions and there was no grilling--simple Q & A session. The interview lasted around 20 minutes.

Short Essay: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Interview:

1) You are a very self-motivated person. So, what motivates you or what philosophy do you follow in life?

Answered with a quote "Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft" and elaborated the quote a little bit to explain how I have used this as the philosophy of my life.

2) Please elaborate on how you have taken decisions in your life and career and how have you implemented this quote in your life and career.

Gave a 5 min presentation on my life history from my child hood to present highlighting 7-8 important decisions that I have taken, why did I take those decisions, and how I have excelled at all those decisions.

3) What do you want to hit hard next?

ISB and then Microsoft (I have written my dream-job post ISB as Program Manger, Microsoft).

4) You come from a small village. How do you think this experience makes you unique and how does it helps you in your life and career.

Answered this pretty well...
5) You are a team leader. How many members are present in your team and what kind of team do you lead?
6) Have you faced any similar situation in your career that is mentioned in Essay 4? Please elaborate on it.

Gave a scenario from my work experience where a different team failed and how the entire project did not get good appraisal ratings--how I learned from it and what I did when a similar situation happened next time.

7) You are leading a team and you must be facing problems with handling different people, e.g., may be somebody comes always late to office. Please give an example and describe how have you done in that situation.

I gave an example from one of my team members and how he used to come at 2'O clock everyday. Then, I explained how I handled that guy and made him contribute to the team even though allowing him to come at 2'O clock and working late into night.

8) How do you plan to fund your education?
9) If ISB does not take you, what are your plans?
10) Well, till now, I have asked you only easy questions. Let me ask you a tough question. What is the meaning of 'exotic'?
(I have written one of my hobbies as "Painting 'Pattachitra'--a rare and exotic Oriya folk art)

Gave the dictionary meaning I knew of and also said how I perceive the word 'exotic'. He answered that 99.99% of people think that the meaning of ‘exotic' is 'extraordinarily good', but the meaning of 'exotic' is 'something foreign'. But, the other panel member added that the usage is probably fine as this art is foreign to other people, if not him.

11) Have you brought any paintings to show us in your file holder?

I answered, "No, but I can sketch something out here if you want". He asked me to sketch something. I sketched a 'Pattachitra' depicting the situation of Ravana stealing Sita from Ramayana (In 2-3 minutes, I drew a very good sketch of Ravana in typical 'Pattachitra' style).
Well, I have to say that the interview panel was very satisfied with the sketch and used a lot of adjectives to describe the sketch and then asked me to promise that if I get into ISB, I will prepare a full-fledged painting to be hanged in ISB wall. I answered yes, of course.

12) My interviewed stopped there and then they asked me whether I have any questions to ask. I asked 2-3 questions and then my interview finished.

Banglore – 04-11-2006

I think I am one of the few candidates applying trhough CAT score...I am a C.A by qualification with 2 yrs of work ex....CAT percentile : 99.2% in CAT 2004..

The interview was focussed on my profile. Since, I have jumped 2 jobs in 2 yrs...there were questions on it...n everythng was profile focussed...nothin like Y MBA n Y ISB.. (though these are FAQs)...

At the hindsight the interview was Ok...but cud have been better....can't make out anythng out of it...they tried to stress me with some cross questions..

Banglore – 05-11-2006

His Profile
Exp: 9.5 years
GMAT :680
Extra curriculars :- Good

I was asked to write a 50 word essay on Indian aviation Industry.

Below are the questions asked in this interview.

Q-First question was on my current assignment. Panel wanted some details of it.
I explained them my contribution and initiatives taken from my side.
Further one more question on it.

Q-Next question was on my career changes. It was basically on job
changes.
I explained all the career moves till date. One more question on it.

Q- Tell us about a difficult assignment…
Gave an example from my career.

Q-One question on my extra curricular activity…
Answered it to my satisfaction

Q- Question on improvement in my application as I am a reapplicant…
I answered it giving details of my improvement.
Another question related to it was on improvement of my skill levels.

Q- A question on my after ISB plans. It was followed by another one on related to it.
I answered it well.

Q- Final question was on one of my remarks in essay.
Answered this to the best of my ability.

Observations: The interview panel is quite supportive and understanding. Please go through your application, resume and essays thoroughly before going for interview. Be honest about yourself. Be confident.

After this I was given opportunity to ask questions.

I asked three questions on.
I also asked about career prospect after ISB for people with my
profile.

Banglore – 05-11-2006

His Profile
IT experience, 2.5 years,
GMAT 750, Decent acads, good community service and xtra curriculurs.

1. While talking with the person who was interviewed b4 u, What did u discover were the questions asked?
i told them about how he had less work ex and how he was asked questions pertaining to that.
Panel : What was ur reaction to those questions? ..... So, now that u r
prepared with those questons....we wont ask u the same ones..!!
2. so, you are interested in ART?
yes (I had an essay dedicated to that topic)
3. Which era of art are u interested in?
more questions and answers regarding this
4. Business is based on facts as oppposed to art, which is more abstract. How do you think the art of an era has an impact on the society and environment? How is it related to business(I dint even understand this question properly and this is what I think he wanted to ask :( )
5. U r interested in photography. Tell us 3 subjects from this room that you would choose for photographs and why
6. Tell us about your career aspirations..long term and short term..
7. Why do u need an MBA to achieve these?
8. Tell us about an experience where u worked with teams.
9. Analytical question : India's economy is booming, there is going to be a shortage of skilled manpower. How do u solve this problem given the govt hires u as a consultant. He wanted figures and the break down.
I couldnt solve this one properly and the panel ended up proving my
analysis wrong in the end..!! :(
10. Any questions from yr side.

Banglore – 06-11-2006

His Profile:
Reapplicant
GMAT: 750 (Previous 670)
IT Exp 6.5 Years
Domain (Finance) 1.5 yrs
(Technology) 5 yrs
International 1.5 Years
Leadership experience 2 years
Decent Acads
Average Extra Curriculurs

I too met a few aspiring ISBians. It was nice interacting with them especially the known names from this forum...:-)

My interview was like a conversation. The questions were not distinct
and kept coming at irregular intervals. But the gist:

1. How has your career progressed till date? Are you satisfied with it and if not, what else did you want?

2. What are your short term goals (5 years)?

3. What are your long term goals (10 years)?

4. How would MBA help you achieve it? Can you not get it without MBA?

5. How can a leader command respect from his followers?

6. Since I am a reapplicant, I was asked how did I manage to improve from GMAT from 670 to 750?

7. Any questions if I had?

As everyone else felt, the panel was very friendly and cordial. Makes one feel very comfortable.

Banglore – 06-11-2006

I was interviewed by panel-I and they took almost 20 mins to discuss my app before calling me in.

1. Why did you change your interview venue from Hyd to Blr? [I had to request for change in venue, because I won't be in Hyd in third week of Nov.]

2. Tell me what your company does and what is your role.

3. How does your company help the Oil and gas industry. What do they actually do?

4. What is your view on offshoring? [I manage our offshore team in India and they want to know my perception from client point of view.]

5. What is your greatest accomplishment?

6. What skills are needed for your dream job?

7. What advice would you give to the person replacing you, if you move on.

Most of the discussion is based on my industry and my experience.

My advice to everyone is to 'Be yourself' and 'Be relaxed'.

Banglore – 05-11-2006

It went pretty well. The interview panel had 3 members. They were very amiable. There were no grilling questions. Simple Q & A. But there were no usual why ISB, why MBA questions.

Short Essay - Maths

Interview:
-------------
1. So what have you written for us in the paragraph?
-Writing poetry is one of my hobbies. So I had written a poem in the short essay. The following questions were based on what kind of poetry and my favourite poets.

2. One of my essays says that poetry has augmented my personality. SO the next question was how?
3. Tell us one situation while you were a team lead when you had motivated the team. How you did that?
4. Since you have worked with the telecomm industry tell us the difference between the telecomm industry in US and in India.
-Answered it with examples of the demand in India and US, the type and level of penetration and most importantly the kind of services that people like in the two countries.

5. Say I want to invest in the telecomm industry what would your advice be?
-Answered this using examples that how the industry is booming and told them the projected growth as said by Dayanidhi Marn the telecom minister.

6. Then they asked me about my work......the challenges faced and what was the takehome.
7. My additional essay says that I have worked in US as well as in UK and hence have a unique work experience of working in different cultures.
There 2-3 questions on that.......like how different was the experience; what is the learning;how are you going to use it ahead in your work.

8. I am not working now as I had an accident...so the next questions were why I had quit insted of taking leave?
9. Do you think this incident was inopportune looking at the break in your work experience.
Then the interview ended and they asked me If I had any question. I asked them 1 question.

The interview lasted about 20 minutes. It was a feel good experience.

Chennai – 29-10-2006

His Profile

B.Tech EEE
4 yrs IT exp in 2 companies
GMAT 750
Above average acads
Good extra currs.

I was asked to write a 50 word paragraph on terrorism before I went in . The panel consisted of Mr Menon of the Adcom , a prof and an alum. The panel was very cordial and friendly. They started out with how I felt after
receiving the interview call and then went on with the questions:

1.Post ISB plans
2.What are the other schools you have applied to? Why do you look at ISB over them?
3.Question on my job roles after ISB (which I had mentioned as consulting..) and target companies?
4.If offered a position in Mckinsey and Infy..what would your choice be ? Why?
5.Case question: Design the fee structure for ISB
6.How would you travel between Chennai and Hyderabad? What factors would you consider?
7.Policy of the West in the Middle East.Your views on it...
8.Questions on my hobbies and interests
9.Questions for us

Total time about 20-25 mins


Chennai – 29-10-2006

I am a CA too.

What is the biggest achievement in your career? (I was prepared for this. Or let me say, I had the answer very clear in my mind as it was a recent achievement)

Who are SAP's competitors (I work in the field of SAP and know them pretty well)

How do you sell SAP when your competitors are pitching in aggressively in a bid (I was involved in such a scenario earlier and was prepared with my answer. I knew this question would come)

But Oracle is pricing itself aggressively, how would you tackle it (I faced this earlier too realtime, but I was not prepared for the question earlier. But my realtime experience helped)

But SAP is not very user friendly.........(ISB has implemented SAP for its operations and incidentally it is my company which implemented SAP there. But unfortunately ISB is very unhappy with the implementation and the utility of SAP for them. Fortunately, I was not a part of the implementation team. But this is a question I face once every month from my clients and every SAP consultant knows the answer for this)

How do you see your technology progressing. (I was prepared for this too)

What is your current job responsibility (I am sure most of the candidates will answer this to their satisfaction)

What would you want to do 10 years down the line (I read this every week just to ensure I am always concentrating on my goals. So I had no problems articulating the same)

Tell me an instance where you displayed leadership (Again a question to which I had the answer very clear in my mind. In fact this actually finds its roots in my biggest achievement ever. So answered this with a lot of comfort)

Why ISB, why not any other school (I applied only for ISB and I have a good reason for that. Since this was a standard question, I was prepared for it)

Who is the leader you most like and why (This was my favorite question really. I will also give you the answer. It is Mr. Narayana Murthy of Infosys. Answered it to my utmost satisfaction)

Finally, They asked me why I wanted to do an MBA (I has answered this already as a part of the ten year goal question. I reiterated it)

My suggestion is be absolutely honest, not to the committe, but to ourself. And if you are convinced with your answer back it all the way (but it has to be honest in the first place).

Chennai – 28-10-2006

His Profile:

C.A with 4 years work ex and

GMAT score of 710

Short Essay on "Politics in Sport" - 50 words

Questions Asked -

1/ A comment on my strong academic performance
2/ Why did you switch jobs often?
3/ Post ISB Plans?
4/ Market Sizing Question - Market for Blackberry's in India
5/ If Goldman Sachs gives you an option of doing an internship and then based on your performance during that period extend you an offer or otherwise - Would you still take that?
6/ Biggest Brewer in the World - Job Related - I track the European Brewers
7/ Biggest beer brand in Europe - Volume terms
8/ What do you think is THE skill required to become a sector or company Analyst?
9/ Would you come back to your current employer post ISB?
10/ Any questions for us? Yes i had 5 questions, got good answers for each and every one of them

Chennai – 27-10-2006

His Profile:

1. Work ex - 5 yrs by April 07
2. Acads - 85% in XII, 4.82/5.00 in B.com and 4.91/5.00 in MBA
3. Industry - Commercial banking
4. GMAT - 720
5. Extra curriculars - Good amount

Firstly, I was asked to write a small essay of about 50 words on "Are Value systems changing in favour of materialism?". Then the major questions Posed during the interview were:

1. You are a reapplicant. What has changed in your application since u applied last time?
2. Take us through your professional career?
3. Your career is clearly on a fast track, why do you want to look at an MBA now?
4. Explain the dynamics of the commercial banking industry in India?
5. What are the strategies you have adopted to become sucessful in your career?
6. Please explain the competitive scenario and the positioning of various banks w.r.t commercial banking?
7. What are the significant values you have imbibed from your education?
8. Any questions for us?

The panel consisted of 3 members (2 from the adcom and one alumni) and The interview lasted for 30 min.

Chennai – 26-10-2006

Profile
ACADS:
-10th class- 86%
-12th class 3.7 GPA
-Bachelor's in CS from DU in philly 3.7 GPA
GMAT - 660
Experience:
- 5 yrs in content management software with pharma companies
- currently a senior consultant with a startup

Interview:

Lasted for abt 20 mins, the last 5 mins were my questions. It was sanjay and mr. ranga rao in the interview. Sanjay did most of the talking. They started with why ISB, then what kinda job do you want to do after you get out, the cover letter, was it for a hypothetical situation or a real job(my cover letter clearly stated that i wanted to be VP of software at a company), where do you want to settle in the long term, India or us? then a couple abt the things i had written in my essays like what kind of business exp. do i have (this one was the only one from Mr. Ranga rao and there were followup questions on that).. then there were a few questions abt my job and what kinda industry do i work in, and one abt what would i bring to ISB that other IT ppl won't, and the last one was "what would you do if you were in bush's place wrt N.Korea ". at this point i strongly argued for no war (i feel very passionately abt this) and sanjay said that he wasn't saying that we shld go to war, but what would i do.. so again i said whatever i do, i will never go to one war to avoid another one. At this point, they turned it over to me for questions..
So sanjay finally said he enjoyed talking to me and i would hear from them in two weeks. i did not give them the answers they liked, cos for every answer i gave they turned arnd and said yeah that may be so but this is how
we percieve it.. for instance, and i said i would bring to ISB my varied exp. in education and work in US and India, so sanjay said that's not unique.. most of ISB students have that.. so i said.. that's great, I won't have a problem fitting in... so be confident abt whatever you say.. there are no right or wrong answers


Telephonic Interview – 26-10-2006

Her Profile

ACADS:
-10th class- 86%
-12th class 86% (Stood first in the state (AP) -humanities)
-Bachelor's in management in Bangalore 75% (accounting)
-Completed 4th year bachelor's in Arts in US (Economics) 4.0 GPA
GMAT - 670

Experience:
-6 years in Johnson & Johnson, in New Jersey, USA (mostly pharmaceutical)in Finance from Intern to manager -Last 7 months in a mid-size pharma in California - Global Marketing Analytics Manager
-Goal to move to India, major in marketing at ISB, and get a Product Manager (mktg) job in healthcare/pharma in India

Average extracurriculars.

INTERVIEW:

Telephone interview with Sanjay and Hema. Lasted 30 minutes. The last 8-9 minutes were questions. Very relaxed interview and it was missing the most obvious questions I was so prepared to answer - like why ISb? Why India.

Questions:
1. You grew up in Hyderabad -how come you didn't take the usual Andhra route of being an engineer or doctor?
2. Tellus about what you do in your current role at your company. Describe a typical day
3. How is the differnet from your role in Finance at J&J
4. Is there anything common in your two roles that you enjoy?
5. You said in your essya that your dream job would be to be a Product Manager for J&J in India. If you don't get that position, what is your back-up?
6. Are you looking to stay in India after the course or are you going back to the US?
7. Would your family relocate too?
8. Based on my answer to the above question which included a mention of my son's medical condition, I was asked 3 more follow-up questions to elaborate.
9. A compliment about my strong acadamic record.
10. Open to questions from me.


CHENNAI

We haven't still recovered from the cyclone. I was partly drenched when I entered the hotel...

1) Tell me abt ur work.
2) How do you manage ur team?
3) How do you handle problems with team members
4) questions on hobbies..
5) questions on my achievements at work?? what award is that?? why only you??
(here i was bragging abt my analytical skills and also the talk went on to the stocks(TISCO, TCS.. etc) i hold.. So the next question ...)
6) Tata steel comes up with a new steel that is twice stronger than the current standards but it is twice costlier. Calculate the market share for this steel. Should TISCO go on to market it??
(Here there were many questions only my calculation.. also the panelled helped to fine tune the solution.. )
7) Post ISB plans.

Luckily the panel was concentrating on my positives..

The essay is on general topics. mine was - Books as a companion.. Shouldn't be a problem for people who have taken GMAT..

Banglore – 03-11-2006

Her Profile
Work-ex- 27 months (IT)
GMAT-700
Acads-excellent throughout
Extra currics-decent

I was given a sheet to write something on "naxalism" in about 50 words...other ppl got topics like terrorism etc..neway that got over pretty quick..then i waited for my turn...there were totally 3 panels interviewing..it was quite a formal setup...there were 2 other guys waiting with me one of them had 8 yrs of experience.
There were 3 ppl in the panel...2 from admissions i think and one person was from the IT industry. These were the questions i had:
1) Why MBA now?
2) Which other institutes am i applying to?
3) What do i want to do after MBA?why? what are the qualities required for that?
4) what drives me?
5) is there nething new you have done in the last couple of years?
i was given a case study predict the market for a Rs10lakh watch in India...they wanted the actual number
the IT guy asked me a few specifics about my company,the kind of work i have been doing, any challenges faced etc
and the biggest question of all...i was grilled a lot on my work ex...they felt i had low work ex and they kept on asking what can i bring to ISB with such low work ex...that whole discussion went on for quite sometime...i am not sure i did a good job of convincing them...neway at the end they asked me whether i had any Qs...the entire interview got over in around 25 minutes...lets see what happens

Banglore - 03-11-2006

His Profile:
Gmat:680
Work ex- 5 years 4 months.
acads- good
extra-curricular- Excellent ( my saving point)

Mine was just not the usual interview types. i.e not usual Why MBA etc questions.
1. How do you spend time with your parents. why IT people keep saying that they are unable to maintain the balance between professional and personal life.
2. How do u lead your team. Team size. what designation etc. How will u handle situation in which few members asks for leave suddenly.
3. Questions about Chess,Acting etc.( what is stalemate, favourite chess player)
4. Any questions u have.

The interview lasted for 20 mins.
Wonder what to make out this interview. I felt that Either they had decided that I am straight reject or I am selected and just wanted to get a feel about me. I mean no normal MBA questions.

Banglore – 03-11-2006

Questions....

As soon as i took my seat they went straight to my weakness and what i am doing to overcome those? Asked about each and every weakness....
My greatest achievement?
Why MBA now?
Quesitons related to my work?
Few questions related to my essays.....

None of the following was aked
Tell me about yourself?
Why MBA?
Why ISB?
Any questions for us?

Banglore – 04-11-2006

Profile
GMAT - 730
Work-ex - 40 months (Manufacturing)
Acads - V Good
Extra Curr - Decent

I was given a tpoic to write a 50 word essay.. on OCEAN (???)... others however had more concrete topics like China..
Anyways.. after a brief delay due to problems with the airconditioning, i was called for the interview.. 2 ppl Ms Hema and another guy...dont remember his name...Both were very cordial
Questions
1 - Why a job switch (i recently changed jobs)
2 - Why are you looking for a switch to marketing/? How would u be better than ppl already into marketing
3 - How do u spend ur time
4 - Tell us something we havent concluded from the application
5 - Calculate the market size for a new super lux that is a fairness soap
6 - What did u do differently in ur job that would set u apart from ur predecessors and successors?
All in all a very so-so interview.. I have absolutely no hopes coz i am not able to peg down my interview as extremely good or terribly bad...
The only good thing is that though the panel was grilling me, the interview atmosphere was quite cordial and informal..

Mumbai – 11-11-2006

The panel was young, all of them. No introduction, no handshake. Questions:

Lead through work profile (first guy on the entire topic)
Current profile, business plans, objectives, future positions, future plans.......exhaustive coverage,
Question related to essay(middle member)
Education
Post MBA
Why not do what you would do after ISB
Hobbies, writing style of essay
No mention of GMAT/Acads/Market sizing etc.
23-25 minutes
Agression noticed, but still not stressful

Mumbai – 12-11-2006

My iview experience.
Q1. is the world really flat.
-- for me and u . for us and the us YES. for china and europe YES... but for a tribe sitting in Africa , for unemployed youth in argentina . NO..

Q2 . so yuo dont really agree with the book do u ?
- I do ... Almost. I would, if they had some Africa and Latin america specific inputs as well.

Q3. Which leadership books have u read - ( i screwed myself for saying yeah i read the harvard business review the mind of the leader ) they asked on the only essay i hadnt read from that book !!!!
Q4 . Explain leadership
q5 how have u lead.
q6. Any other example of leadership
q7. how many william darlyamples have u read ( said all )
q8. Any other kind of training have u attended apart fron the OJT ( screwed my self again by saying NLP ... okay .. can u tell us what effect ur body kanguage is having on us )--

q . ( From the HOT DUDE OF the female there) ... Yawning .... how would isb add value to you professionaly and persoanlly
and at least there were 5 to 6 others questions that i dont rememver ... but that was about it ...
q. U write very well ( based on my 50 word thing on the topic maths ) said thanks ...
the guy in the middle - can u tell me what cornocopia means ? ( i told him ! )

q. Any other questions for us
i said YES -- how are you going to evaluate me any further.. so is this it ? is the interview only thing ? or you are going to be sitting over the whole application again and then deciding.
Answer is latter..the lady (smiling )! . why do u think we are taking one month to give out the decision .. otherwise you would have the decision rt now. isn it ?

That's all folks and all the best.